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Lawmakers weigh reclassification of powerful e‑vehicles as electric motorcycles amid safety concerns
Summary
During testimony on HB 23‑74, sponsors and a wide array of local officials, advocacy groups and students urged statutory clarity to distinguish class‑1/2/3 e‑bikes from high‑powered ‘e‑motor’ devices and to direct a Department of Licensing work group to study enforcement and consumer protections.
Representative Janice Zahn, sponsor of House Bill 23‑74, told the committee the bill seeks to distinguish electric‑assisted bicycles from electric motorcycles and to direct the Department of Licensing to convene a work group to recommend enforcement and consumer‑protection measures.
“We are trying to get something going as soon as possible because these e motorcycles are starting to show up in our community,” Zahn said, describing instances in which devices sold as e‑bikes have little or no operable pedals and can reach much higher speeds.
Multiple witnesses — including city officials, bicycle and trails groups, parks and recreation associations, and school‑age students — described injuries and safety risks tied to high‑powered devices marketed as e‑bikes. Claire Goodrich recounted her 2022 crash at age 14: “I crashed at a speed of approximately 30 miles per hour without the use of pedals,” she said, adding that the device exceeded the legal speed for class‑3 e‑bikes.
Kirkland Council Member Amy Falcone asked the committee to consider an amendment creating a municipal civil‑infraction enforcement option for riders under 16 to avoid criminalizing children through juvenile court.
Advocacy groups including Washington Bikes, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Washington Trails Association and Eastrail Partners urged clearer statutory categories so land managers and law enforcement can apply consistent rules to trails and shared infrastructure. Several witnesses noted rapidly rising e‑vehicle injuries and hospitalizations among children.
The bill would: define class 1–3 e‑bikes (including a 750‑watt motor limit), require manufacturer labeling with classification and top assisted speed, exclude e‑motorcycles from the e‑bike definition, and convene a work group that must report recommendations and any draft legislation to the legislature and governor’s office by Dec. 15, 2026. The committee closed public testimony without taking final action on HB 23‑74.
